Natural products in the treatment of osteoarthritis: Current status and prospects

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive cartilage degradation, synovial inflammation, and subchondral bone remodeling. Existing treatments primarily offer symptomatic relief without effectively delaying OA progression. Recently, natural products have attracted great interest due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and chondroprotective effects. This review systematically summarized the efficacy and mechanisms of 13 natural products (Curcumin, Resveratrol, Icariin, Sinomenine, Andrographolide, Apigenin, Salvianolic acid, Matrine, Hesperidin, Plumbagin, Pomegranate extract, Thymoquinone, and Madecassoside) in OA treatment, drawing on evidence from in vitro and in vivo animal models, as well as clinical trials. By elucidating the current research status and future prospects, our review seeks to provide robust evidence for innovative and effective treatment strategies based on natural products to improve patient outcomes in OA management. The translational potential of this article: This review enhances our comprehension of the pathological mechanisms underlying OA, delineates the existing therapeutic approaches for OA, their inherent limitations, and elucidates the current status and future prospects of natural products in OA management. With further clinical validation, these natural products may serve as adjunctive or alternative therapies to improve long-term outcomes in OA patients.